Quick Summary
Situated in Mexicali, Mexico, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California is a public established in 1957. Ranked #1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 65000 students including 1.2% from outside Mexico. Known for strengths in Agriculture and Forestry, Engineering, Marine Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
UABC offers high-quality public education with one of the strongest regional reputations in Northern Mexico and proximity to the US border.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture and ForestryEngineeringMarine Sciences
Founded1957
TypePublic
Total Students65000
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusMulti-campus
Campus SizeMultiple Campuses
Affiliated HospitalsHospital General de Mexicali (Collaboration)
AccreditationCIEES, COPAES
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1201-1400
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1501+
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Continuing Education
Programs
24
PhD Programs
8
Online Programs
Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, Instituto de Ingeniería
Research Centers
High
Research Output
CIEES, COPAES
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTSNot Available
TOEFL450
Min GPA8
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the EXANI-II admission exam which accounts for the majority of the score; ensure high school transcript is validated by SEP.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Mexican Peso
UG Tuition
$12,000/yr
per year · MXN
Living Cost
$140,000/yr
per year · MXN
PG Tuition
$30,000/yr
per year · MXN
Application Fee
$85
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$153,700/yr
tuition + living + essentials · MXN
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$400
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| International Relations | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Law | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Marine Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$9,000
Average Salary After Graduation
72%
Employment Rate
Internship Placement85
Industry Connections
Strong ties with the Maquiladora industry in Tijuana and Mexicaliand the Viticulture sector in Ensenada.
Notable Alumni
Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, Francisco Vega de Lamadrid
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Stadiums, Olympic pools, multi-purpose gyms, tennis courts
Student Clubs
Culture workshops, theater, sports teams, environmental groups
Library Resources
Sistema Universitario de Bibliotecas (SBUABC) with over 1 million physical and digital items
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Santander Mobility, ANUIES exchange network
Summer Programs
Verano de la Investigación Científica